Why Rutgers’ promising do-it-all freshman Rashad Rochelle has ‘limitless’ potential | Q&A

Rashad Rochelle is finishing his promising freshman season at Rutgers on an upswing.

The do-it-all athlete played quarterback in high school, started his college career at wide receiver and moved to running back midway through his first fall in Piscataway. He’s done a little bit of everything since, taking multiple snaps behind center as a wildcat quarterback, as a wide receiver getting the ball on jet sweeps, and receiving hand-offs from redshirt freshman quarterback Gavin Wimsatt as his running back.

Rochelle’s production increased as his role has, with the Illinois native setting a career-high in carries (eight) and rushing yards (25) while making his first career reception in the Scarlet Knights’ (4-7, 1-7) loss to Penn State last Saturday. And with three years of eligibility remaining, he is just getting started.

BUY RUTGERS FOOTBALL TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER

“I think his potential is limitless,” head coach Greg Schiano said. “Not only because of his god-given ability, but because of the incredible worker he is. His attention to detail is special.”

The next achievement for Rochelle came during the week, when he spoke to the media for the first time as a Scarlet Knight.

Here’s what he said about his freshman season, his role and his potential:

Q: What’s it been like to have your role increase steadily the last couple of weeks?

Rochelle: “It’s been a good experience to get back out with the guys. They helped me a lot throughout the season, kept me prepared. When I got out there, I never felt like I lost a step. Coach Schiano and (running backs) Coach (Andrew) Aurich, they helped me out. I felt confident going out there and doing what I have to do.”

Q: How much do you think your versatility can help this offense?

Rochelle: “I feel like I can help in a lot of ways. Like I said, through all the help I got, it wasn’t hard for me to go out and perform at a high level knowing I had a supporting cast behind me that helped prepare me to get to this point.”

Q: What is your role in this offense? It seems like you’ve done everything but snap the ball this season.

Rochelle: “Really, wherever they need me. I don’t like to put (labels), say I play this or play that. When Coach Schiano came to me and said they needed me to play running back, I did that. When they needed me to play wide receiver, I did that. Wherever they need me, I’ll fill in that spot to the best of my ability.”

Q: You played quarterback in high school. How has the adjustment been to other positions?

Rochelle: “It was pretty cool. Being at quarterback, I was able to understand more positions because in high school, I had to know a lot. But running back, being back in the backfield, it’s not foreign to me. I’ve seen what I’ve seen before. At receiver, just knowing where Gavin needed me to be because I knew where I needed my receivers needed me. Being able to have that in the back of my head, that helped.”

Want to bet on the NFL?

See the best NJ Sports Betting sites

Q: How would you characterize your freshman season?

Rochelle: “I feel like it was a great experience for me. From how I came in January to where I am now, I definitely grew and I feel like I matured a lot. Overall, it was a great experience for me.

“Definitely. I feel like in the next few years, I’m going to be able to add on to what I’m doing now. Just the experience I’m getting now is going to help in the near future.”

Q: What is your focus for this upcoming offseason?

Rochelle: “It’s to build off what I’m doing now. Wherever they need me, same as what I’m doing right now. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Brian Fonseca may be reached at bfonseca@njadvancemedia.com.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.